Code of Conduct

Published April 2026

Ngā tikanga haumaru o Ipurangi Aotearoa  InternetNZ Members’ Code of Conduct

Welcome to InternetNZ | Ipurangi Aotearoa

InternetNZ manages the .nz registry and Domain Name System (DNS) for Aotearoa New Zealand. You’ve joined an incorporated society committed to supporting and promoting a fair, inclusive, and accessible Internet for Aotearoa New Zealand and an open, global, resilient, and secure Internet for current and future generations.

Our diverse membership community brings a wide range of priorities and interests — a source of both opportunity and strength. We actively welcome and encourage diverse perspectives across our membership. 

As a member of InternetNZ, the way you conduct yourself matters. This Code of Conduct sets out the behavioural standards expected of all members and outlines the consequences of non-compliance.

Objects of the Society

InternetNZ administers the .nz Domain Name Space for the collective benefit of Aotearoa New Zealand. It operates exclusively for charitable purposes, namely the benefit of the community by: 

  1. Promoting and contributing to an open, global, resilient and secure Internet for current and future generations. 

  2. Maintaining the .nz Domain Name Space to meet local and international standards and obligations. 

  3. Promoting and supporting an Internet that users experience as fair, inclusive and accessible. 

  4. Promoting and actively participating in multistakeholder Internet governance processes locally and internationally. 

  5. Promoting and conducting research related to the development of the Internet.

  6. Collaborating with, and coordinating across, the wider Aotearoa New Zealand Internet community, the general public, Māori, New Zealand government agencies, and other organisations when giving effect to the above objects.

Core principles: expectations of all members of the Society

As outlined in clause 2.6.1 of our Constitution, all members must follow the rules of the Society, including the Constitution and this Code of Conduct. Members are expected to uphold this Code of Conduct when engaging on any InternetNZ platforms — including, but not limited to, all online and digital member spaces, emails, online chat channels, and at in-person events. 

InternetNZ expects every member, when engaging on InternetNZ platforms or attending InternetNZ events, to: 

  • uphold and actively support the charitable Objects of the Society 

  • interact in good faith with integrity and respect, and contribute to a culture of inclusiveness and collaboration

  • listen with intent, value diverse perspectives, and seek to understand others

  • empower, build and uplift the mana of others, and assume good faith in all interactions

  • exercise discretion and care when engaging in InternetNZ spaces

  • avoid any actions or conduct that could bring the Society into disrepute or undermine its charitable objects.

Unsatisfactory conduct/behaviour

This Code of Conduct is not exhaustive; it encapsulates our shared commitment to a respectful, collaborative environment and common goals. We expect it to be upheld in spirit as well as in practice when engaging on InternetNZ platforms or attending InternetNZ events.

Examples of unsatisfactory conduct/behaviour

Behaviours that breach this Code of Conduct include, but are not limited to, any instance of:

  • intimidating, harassing, disrespectful, abusive or discriminatory conduct

  • impersonation of individuals

  • unwanted photography or recording, including recording or posting without the original author’s permission

  • physical or verbal intimidation that discourages participation

  • non-consensual physical contact or sexual comments

  • stalking (either online or in person)

  • sustained disruption of a discussion

  • unrequested communication to another member and/or InternetNZ after being asked to stop by the member or InternetNZ

  • Ad hominem attacks (personal insults or attacks on someone’s character rather than their ideas).

What happens if a member engages in unsatisfactory conduct/behaviour?

Members must immediately cease any behaviour identified as breaching the Code of Conduct.

If the behaviour identified continues, InternetNZ may, if it considers it appropriate to do so, pursue an informal resolution process, such as informal discussions with or without an independent third party. If that process does not resolve the matter, or if Internet NZ considers an informal resolution process is not appropriate, InternetNZ may pursue a formal complaints process under the Constitution, which may result in:

  • issue of a written warning; and/or

  • suspension or expulsion of the person complained about from the event, channel, relevant InternetNZ platform or from membership of InternetNZ (see below).

Members may make a complaint 

Members also have the option of pursuing a formal complaints process under the Constitution themselves. If you experience or witness behaviour that may breach this Code of Conduct, please report it so it can be addressed fairly and consistently.

How members can make a complaint

Any member may make a complaint by writing to the InternetNZ Board via email complaints@internetnz.net.nz stating that the member is starting a procedure for resolving a dispute in accordance with the Constitution. 

The complaint should set out the allegation to which the dispute relates and whom the allegation is against. The complaint should also include enough detail to ensure the person against whom an allegation is made is fairly advised of the allegation, with sufficient details given to enable that person to prepare a response. 

InternetNZ will acknowledge receipt of complaints within three working days and will deal with the dispute in a fair, efficient and effective manner and in accordance with the Constitution and the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. 

How complaints are handled

InternetNZ follows the dispute resolution process for complaints set out in Part 5 of the Constitution. This includes:

  • acknowledging and assessing the complaint

  • complying with the rules of natural justice 

  • unless clause 5.6 of the Constitution applies, investigating the matter in a fair and timely manner, consistent with the guiding tikanga principles set out in the Constitution (such as manaaki tangata* and mahia kia tika*).

InternetNZ may temporarily suspend a person’s membership and participation rights pending determination of a dispute resolution process in accordance with clause 2.8 of the Constitution.

Where appropriate, InternetNZ may refer the complaint to a subcommittee or an external investigator. With the consent of all parties to a complaint, InternetNZ may refer the complaint to any type of consensual or tikanga-based dispute resolution between processes. 

InternetNZ reserves the right not to proceed with complaints that do not meet the threshold for action, as outlined in clause 5.6 of the Constitution.

Outcomes

If a breach of the Code of Conduct is established, the Society may:

  • decide that no further action needs to be taken;

  • issue a written warning;

  • require a member to take specified corrective action; and/or

  • terminate a person’s membership in accordance with clause 2.9.1(b) of the Constitution. 

Any appeal against the outcome of a dispute resolution process will be dealt with in accordance with the Incorporated Societies Act 2022.

 

Footnotes:

Manaaki tangata — All parties shall engage in a respectful way that allows all voices to be heard and upholds the mana of those involved

Mahia kia tika —All parties shall act in a manner that is fair, equitable, honest, impartial, timely and transparent

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